Dear Students, As I have been hearing about your graduations, saying goodbyes and attending open houses, I felt compelled to send you this note of reflection and praise. It got me thinking…. This Class of 2019 was magnificent and mystic. More on the second word at the end… This whole college thing is an epic time! Thinking back on my …
Congratulations to the Class of 2019
Message to the class of 2019
June (Summer) 2019 College Expert Newsletter
[ap_column_wrap] [ap_column span=”2″] [/ap_column] [ap_column span=”3″] Read our June (Summer) 2019 College Expert Newsletter. Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter. Advice For New College Freshmen Focus on Majors: Environmental Science Financial Matters: Pre-College Legal & Financial Matters [/ap_column] [/ap_column_wrap]
Spotlight on George Washington University
Natalia knew George Washington University was where she belonged the minute she stepped on campus. In spite of some freshman year challenges, she is still overwhelmed with excitement to be pursuing her interest in service and politics in the nation’s capital. Could GW be right for you? Check out her spotlight!
Reflections on the Class of 2019
We couldn’t be more proud of the Class of 2019. Since our first Research Jam Sessions with this class, we noticed exceptional diligence, enthusiasm and flexibility in this group of students. Our sessions were always filled to capacity, and when the Common Application went live August 1, they worked hard, were open to suggestions, supported each other and wrote some …
Sue & Ryan at IECA Spring Conference
We are in the Windy City this week making new acquaintances and reconnecting with old friends at the IECA Spring Conference – Chicago. We’re hearing from speakers, exchanging best practices with peers and hearing about “hidden gems” from admissions reps — and we can’t wait to share what we’ve learned!
May 2019 College Expert Newsletter
[ap_column_wrap] [ap_column span=”2″] [/ap_column] [ap_column span=”3″] Read our May 2019 College Expert Newsletter. Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter. Student Support Services on Campus Focus on Majors: Computer Programming Financial Matters: College Choices & Return on Investment [/ap_column] [/ap_column_wrap]
Spotlight on Baylor University
Coming from a small high school with a graduating class of 70, Will knew he was looking for something different in a college. In his Student Spotlight, read why Baylor’s size, high-tier athletics, diversity and sense of community felt right the minute he stepped on campus.
College Expert awards scholarship to Eagan High School senior
Congratulations to Jacob Harris, a senior at Eagan High School who received College Expert’s $2,000 scholarship at an Eagan Foundation 2019 Scholarship Award ceremony. The Foundation awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors living in Eagan or attending Eagan High School. College Expert is one of many local individuals and organizations that sponsor a scholarship through the Foundation. Nice job …
A Visit to Santa Clara University
By Sue Luse Last fall I had the opportunity to visit five colleges in the Bay Area, including Santa Clara University. I hadn’t visited Santa Clara in some time and was reminded again why the Silicon Valley school draws students from all over the country and world. It has academic excellence, proximity to some of the most innovative tech companies …
What to Look For When Hiring a College Consultant
US News & World Report recently published an article on what to look for when hiring a college consultant. In the article, Mark Sklarow, CEO at Independent Educational Consultant Association (IECA), discusses how IECA members (like Sue & Ryan) must undergo background checks and adhere to ethical standards and practices. In addition to IECA membership, Sklarow also says to look …
April 2019 College Expert Newsletter
[ap_column_wrap] [ap_column span=”2″] [/ap_column] [ap_column span=”3″] Read our April 2019 College Expert Newsletter. Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter. Waitlist Purgatory Focus on Majors: Linguistics Financial Matters: Comparing Financial Aid Packages Social Media & College Admission [/ap_column] [/ap_column_wrap]
Spotlight on Tulane University
What university ranks in the top 50 and offers a rich cultural experience in the South? Read Caroline’s freshman year update on Tulane University.
College Expert Responds to College Admissions Scandal
Dear parents and students, These past few days, many of our clients have asked us about the college admissions scandal – news that saddened and outraged us, just as it did many of you. This time of year, we would rather be talking about our own students who are preparing to graduate and receiving acceptance letters to schools on their …
IECA Statement
College Expert is proud to be a member of IECA, which responded to today’s news with this statement. We share their commitment to ethics and personal fit when guiding our students.
Lettering in Kindness
We love a new trend we’re hearing about in local high schools. A recent article in the StarTribune said Minnetonka, Edina, Eden Prairie and Stillwater school districts are tapping into young people’s desire to do good by giving them the opportunity to earn varsity letters in community service. Have any of you lettered in kindness? We’d love to hear about …
March 2019 College Expert Newsletter
[ap_column_wrap] [ap_column span=”2″] [/ap_column] [ap_column span=”3″] Read our March 2019 College Expert Newsletter. Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter. The Meaning of Fit Focus on Majors: Advertising Financial Matters: Free Money vs Loans Choosing Next Year’s Curriculum [/ap_column] [/ap_column_wrap]
A Visit to Tulane University
Embrace the Place; become a part of the city at Tulane By Kris Olson My visit to Tulane, a private university in New Orleans, Louisiana, was amazing in so many ways. As a first-time visitor, I had no idea what to expect. All I had ever heard about New Orleans was the craziness of Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras and, …
Spring Break College Visits: What to Know Before You Go
For those students not hitting the beach this spring break, college visits might be on the docket. But walking around campus and checking out the library and dining hall aren’t the only things you should do to make the most of your school stopover. A school visit requires a little planning before you go. Evaluating a college isn’t just about …
Focus on the Future – Ferguson Tutoring Open House
6 pm: Countdown to College Presented by Sue Luse and Ryan Luse Bring your Notebooks! Parents and students are encouraged to attend this workshop. College Expert® will outline the admissions process, provide you with a college prep timeline you can start as early as freshman year, and so much more! Parents, better understand your role in this process. Read more details …
February 2019 College Expert Newsletter
[ap_column_wrap] [ap_column span=”2″] [/ap_column] [ap_column span=”3″] Read our February 2019 College Expert Newsletter. Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter. SAT vs ACT—Which Should You Take? Focus on Majors: Astrophysics Financial Matters: Tax Benefits for Education Dare to Be Different [/ap_column] [/ap_column_wrap]
Spotlight on Hope College
“Hope College is situated in Holland, Michigan, the cutest town straight out of a Hallmark movie and 14 minutes from the beaches of Lake Michigan, ”writes our latest College Spotlight contributor. Read about the sense of community and tradition that drew Kylie to this midwest college.
The Common App announces 2019-20 essay prompts
The 2019-2020 Common App essay prompts will be the same as last year. What was Class of 2019’s most popular pick? “Topic of your choice.” Find out what the prompts are for 2019-2020.
Spotlight on Harvey Mudd
Interested in STEM, a small campus surrounded by 4 accessible colleges in southern California? Check out our College Spotlight on Harvey Mudd College.
College Spotlight – Vanderbilt University
If you like mild winters, close proximity to a music hub, cowboy boots, and top-notch education, then check out our latest student College Spotlight on Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
January 2019 College Expert Newsletter
[ap_column_wrap] [ap_column span=”2″] [/ap_column] [ap_column span=”3″] Read our January 2019 College Expert Newsletter. Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter. Planning for Summer in the Dead of Winter Focus on Majors: Gerontology Financial Matters: College Loans How to Handle a Deferral [/ap_column] [/ap_column_wrap]
December 2018 College Expert Newsletter
[ap_column_wrap] [ap_column span=”2″] [/ap_column] [ap_column span=”3″] Read our December 2018 College Expert Newsletter. Here are the topics in this month’s newsletter. Majors, Minors & Concentrations Focus on Majors: Criminology Financial Matters: Searching for Scholarships Understanding & Using Your PSAT Score Report [/ap_column] [/ap_column_wrap]
A Visit to Stanford University
An invitation to a wedding in Napa Valley opened up the opportunity to tour colleges in the Bay Area. So in October of 2018, I was able to spend three nights in Palo Alto and visit 5 colleges. Every day was 75 and sunny. We loved Palo Alto with all the amazing restaurants, outdoor activities, and of course, the tech …
JAM Session Sunday
The Nov. 1 EA/ED deadline is just weeks away. How is your application coming? If you’re feeling behind or stressed, don’t worry! We know this is a crazy month and have scheduled Jam Sessions every Sunday throughout October and into November. Join us this weekend from 10-2 at THE EAGAN COMMUNITY CENTER. If you can’t make it, reach out to …
A Visit to Augustana University
I was excited to drive to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to meet with my students who are there and revisit Augustana. My visit to Augustana University showed me just how much this affordable, private, Norwegian-heritage liberal arts college has to offer. As the largest private university in the state, Augustana retains a strong alumni network and an enthusiastic “Augie” student body. …